A Closer Look At The Hoof Shoe Trend: 5 Fashionable Or Freaky Hooves

Who knew that horses, cows and camels had feet that could be so trendy? Well, over the past year, there have been a number of interesting shoe designs made to resemble hooves. In some cases, designers are know, in other cases, no one seems to want to take credit for the funky designs (who would have thought?!). Whether this is a trend that you love or hate, it's probably one that you have strong feelings about, and here are some of the most fashionable and freaky cloven hoof shoe designs I've come across recently!

#5 Fashionable or Freaky Hoof Footwear- Cloven Hoof Boots

Hoof Boots

Okay, you might not want to quote me on this one, but I'm fairly certain that this cloven hoof boot is being worn by a man. Though, perhaps not. This particular photo has appeared on multiple fashion and design website, though no one seems to have been able to track down the designer behind this concept. Yes, this footwear is inspired by livestock, and yes, you might have to take out a second mortgage on your home to be able to purchase a pair (wherever they come from). This cloven hoof boot design is one that carries the style right through fall into winter so this fashionable or freaky trend doesn't have to be dictated by the seasons.

#4 Fashionable or Freaky Hoof Footwear- Cloven Hoof Shoes for the Home

Cloven Hoof Slippers

These hoof shoes are comfortable slippers, perhaps best suited for the home as slippers! They are a design by Japanese brand Oki Noki slippers, proving that this hoof shoe thing is a global trend. With a design tall enough to encircle the wearer's ankle, these hoof shoes are another design that might carry you through from season to season, if you like resembling a camel.

These cloven hoof shoes are called Ikitabi, and technically they're from a line of Ninja slippers. Livestock really must be fierce these days!

#3 Fashionable or Freaky Hoof Footwear - Horse Hoof Heels

Horse Hoof Heels

These hoof heels are a little bit more classy. They have a wrap design, and a hoof bottom that's offset by a sky-high stiletto. Designed by AF Vandevorst and were featured in this year's Paris Fashion Week as part of a whole equine inspired line of designs.

These horse hoof heels still look a little bit strange, but will act as positive conversation starters; unlike some of the other hoof shoes - these might not get a "what the hell is she wearing?" reaction...probably.

These shoes require wearers to learn to walk like a horse. Gravity puts all of the foot's weight in the front part of the shoe that boasts the hoof shape, while the back is there strictly to accommodate the rest of the foot, which sure is inconvenient in a shoe design like this.

Comfort probably isn't a feature of this freaky shoes, though you're sure to attract attention - especially as you clippity-clop your way through a party. That, or you'll get stares when you're the one falling on her face before you've hit the martini bar because gravity just isn't on your side.

Via: Global Grind

#1 Fashionable or Freaky Hoof Footwear - Deer Hoof Shoes

Deer Hoof Shoe

There's rumors circulating around the internet that these rather horrifying Deer Hoof Shoes might be real. Though it might be fortunate that their true origins are unknown. This is where the line from fashionable to freaky is unequivocally crossed. While hooves of livestock and other mammals might have inspired a trend in footwear, deer hoof shoes that are identical to the real thing just aren't sexy.

The author needs to do some more research before jumping in with both feet.
The 'Ikitabi' from Japan that are featured in this article? Those are a traditional Japanese clothing design for socks, called 'tabi' which were used with sandals. They've been around for thousands of years, and been in popular Western culture for at least a few decades. Despite what Beth so desperately wants to find, tabi socks are not 'hoof shoes' and are definitely not a trend.

the hide used to make the last set of hooves might be from a deer, but the hooves are not. Deer have tiny, cloven hooves. The hooves in the footwear featured may be from a deceased horse but it's really hard to tell for sure. Looks convincing to me, though.

The Tabi shoes in #5 are a staple of Martin Mason Margiela. Margiela has been producing them for years and are a signiture item and by the name Tabi, they are clearly inspired by the Japanese footwear of the same same, not hooves.

split toe neoprene boots are standard for surfing now. just like japanese ninjas have known for a long time, they give more control where you dont need a bulky and hard flat sole. theyre kind of like in between being barefoot and wearing shoes.

I believe that the folks at the water-hole (www.water-hole.com) have been making these for years. If you want to order a pair.

Oh and the Tabi have been around for hundreds of years. Take a look at Geta or Zori shoes. Or watch any vaguely accurate movie about Gesha (who florished in the Floating World, just after 1600 Japan. They even have modern steel-toed Tabi, for construction workers. Although, the Tabi with heels, in the first picture are delightful.

I personally have a pair of the Kaiser Black Patent Leather hoof boots as shown above and I have a pair of the Water-hole Hoofs ( both front & Rear ) for hands and feet and have worn them for years at human pony shows. I can wear them for most of a day even though they do not have a heel or any way to take the pressure off of the ball of the foot.
i love my pony hooves and wear them proudly whenevr I am in ponyboy Hurdles mode :)

Deer have cloven hooves, not single-toed hooves, as shown in the "deer" hoof shoes. Those look real, and are almost undoubtedly from someone's My Little Pony.

I also think they're pretty awesome, and would be awesomer still if it weren't for the disruptive placement of the zipper. But, then, I play with animal parts for fun, what do I know about haute couture?

deer are even toed ungulates, meaning they have two toes. That #1 selection is obviously intended to be an even toed ungulate---Read: Horse. The fur is too long to be deer's also. And deer don't have zippers.

those hooves didnt come from a deer.deer have CLOVEN hooves! and besides, there are many synthetic hooves made from cast resin and acrylic that taxidermists and hobbyists use to recreate animals without actually having to kill the animal. and these materials would be easier for a designer to come by than actually poaching the deer. besides there are all sorts of regulations,laws and red tape prohibiting such things

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OK, gotta say I love #2. #3 is nice too, but I think #2 just fits my strange yet fashionable style. I love clothing that stands out but still has beauty. I also think that the #2 could really help a girl hone her agility and balance, while turning heads in a good way. Definitely my kind of shoe. I hate the deer shoes, of course. The ones with the separated toe just don't do it for me either. Whoever came up with those is a complete nincompoop, and I don't mind him/her knowing I think so either. I love #3 for the simple fact that it gives a different sort of look while still having its own unique style. The negative things I had to say were, by the way not intended to offend this article's author. I loved the article. There are a couple of shoes here that I would most definitely love to own. Thank you for writing this.